This entire blog is full of my 5th grade teacher advice. I thought you might want to hear from some of the amazing veteran teachers who were eager to share their wisdom with new 5th grade teachers! Please take these 15 truths to heart 🙂

Make close relationships with grade level partners! Nora P.

Find mentor teachers in your school, district, or online and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to not know all of the answers. Spend the first year listening and learning. Speak up and advocate for yourself as needed, but don’t be too eager to come in and change everything. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things. It is FIFTH grade. No one is staying out of Harvard because you tried something different. Put nurturing your kids’ love of learning first. Finally, remember that these kids have been on this planet for 10 years. Many of them only learned to read 3-4 years ago. They’re still babies. They need your love. Susan L.

Take a deep breath and know that its okay to make a mistake. Half of the time you will be the only one who will notice! Tyronnica M.

Fake it until you make it… in other words… smile, get all things done that affect stakeholders, and then do your own stuff. You’re going to feel overwhelmed, so use resources available to you. Megan C.

The one thing I would love newbies to know is that 5th graders are still kids. They like stickers, incentives, recognition, and picture books! Brian S.

I want new teachers to know that teaching is the best job around but remember some of your students don’t have the life you probably did and sometimes your friendly smile is the only smile they may see. Put the kids first and all of the grading and politics last! Diane M.

I would want to let the newbies out there know that it is so important to establish control and boundaries with your students right away. After you have gained their respect, you can really enjoy all the “fun” that 5th graders love to have. I would also tell them that the beginning is overwhelming but to hang in there because it becomes easier and so much fun! Karen K.

Love them unconditionally! Marie G.

For the newbies, it is all about the procedures you set at the beginning of the year and modeling.  It is not about how cute your class looks. Jennifer W.

Take time to teach your procedures at the beginning of the year. It will pay off all year. Sandra Z.

Start how you want to finish! Go in with a clear plan and try your hardest to stick with it. There WILL be times where the plan seems impossible but remember the reason you started and keep pushing to the end! The scholars NEED you! Jazmin B.

Something I’ve learned with 5th graders is that while they are trying to be older they still want to act like younger kids. I see some of the best results when I’m able to create lessons that allow them to do both. Taylor R.

Lovingly be their teacher, not their friend. Jill J.

Procedures procedures procedures!!! Annie G.

Plan the first two weeks of school before the first day. You will feel so much more relaxed and confident! Jenifer B.

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